Festive opening hours

We will close for the public holidays on Tuesday 24 December 2024 at 2.30pm, and remain closed for the public holidays between Christmas and New Year. 

However, we will open on 27, 30, and 31 December 2024 between 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. During these times, we will prioritise reviews of crisis grant applications. If you wish to request a review of a community care grant application, you can do so online. Alternatively, you can call us on 3 January 2025, and we will assist you over the phone.

Our normal service will resume on 3 January 2025 at 10am.

Case study

  • Date:
    December 2024
  • Category:
    Meeting the need

Example

C requested an independent review of the council's decision on their community care grant application. C applied for white goods and flooring for their new tenancy after a period of homelessness. 

The council awarded the white goods and carpet for the living room and occupied bedrooms. However, C requested a first tier review on the basis that kitchen, bathroom and hallway flooring was declined, and that the carpet offered for the living room and bedrooms was unsuitable for them due to their sensory issues. The council upheld their original decision and did not change their fulfilment method for the carpets. 

We reviewed the council's file and corresponded with C. We noted the evidence that C had provided regarding their sensory issues, but did not consider it supported the award of alternative carpeting. We agreed with the council's assessment that the flooring for other areas in the home did not meet high priority. We did not change the council's decision but we provided them with feedback on their decision letters. 

C subsequently asked for a reconsideration of the decision. After reviewing the case the new decision maker re-opened the case as they disagreed with how the award of carpets for the living room and bedroom was fulfilled. 

Recommendations

  • We instructed the council to make a cash award for £785 to cover the cost to C of carpeting and fitting carpets in the living room and two bedrooms. 

Feedback for the council (and our original decision)

  • C's sensory issues were not factored into how the award was fulfilled. In line with section 4.51 of the guidance, any specific needs due to equality considerations should be taken into account when balancing the applicant’s need against the budget available. 

We asked the organisation to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one week.

Updated: December 17, 2024